For over two decades, Brooke Daggett has been at the heart of aquatics education, turning her passion for swimming into a successful career as the Aquatics Director at Kids Club Fun & Fitness. What started with just 80 weekly students has now blossomed into a thriving swim program that serves nearly 2,000 students every week. Brooke’s journey is a story of growth, commitment, and dedication to water safety.
From Swimmer to Director: Brooke’s Path in Aquatics
Brooke’s love for water began early, growing up as a competitive swimmer. This passion led her to pursue a degree in teaching, and it wasn’t long before she found herself in a swim instructor role. Just three months into her position, she was promoted to Aquatics Director, beginning her long career leading swim education programs.
Over the years, Brooke has navigated the challenges of adapting to new training techniques and social dynamics, but one constant has remained: her mission to ensure water safety and prevent drownings in her community. “Most of my staff were once students in our program,” Brooke shares, “so the aquatics world has become like a second family to me.”
Her journey in swim instruction began with training from Waterbabies Aquatics Program, guided by Vera Garibaldi and Edie Flood with Wings over Waves. That early experience introduced her to a broader network of swim schools across the U.S., creating friendships and connections that have enriched her career. A standout memory is her first swim school tour, where she visited Hubbard Swim School and Aqua-Tots Swim School in Arizona. “The lessons I learned during that tour have stuck with me for 20 years,” Brooke recalls.
Since then, she has attended conferences in Vancouver, Hawaii, Las Vegas, and Chicago, always gaining new insights and inspiration to bring back to her swim school.
The Value of Membership with US Swim School Association (USSSA)
Brooke’s swim school is a proud member of the US Swim School Association (USSSA), an organization she’s been involved with for 20 years. Her decision to join USSSA stemmed from a desire to be part of a community committed to water safety and swim instruction excellence. The resources, support, and networking opportunities provided by the association have played a crucial role in the growth and success of her swim program.
One of Brooke’s favorite aspects of being a USSSA member is the swim school tours, which offer a behind-the-scenes look at how other schools operate. “The opportunity to see different approaches, ask questions, and engage with other school owners is invaluable,” she says. Brooke still remembers her first tour of Hubbard Swim School and Aqua-Tots Swim School, and the friendships formed during those tours have remained a constant source of collaboration and support.
USSSA’s influence extends beyond just operational improvements—it has helped shape the mission of Brooke’s swim school, ensuring that safety and quality instruction are always the top priorities.
Creating Lifelong Impacts in the Water
One of the most rewarding aspects of Brooke’s role is witnessing the profound impact that swim instruction can have on students and their families. One particular success story stands out: a young boy named Ethan who was terrified of the water due to a near-drowning experience. His parents enrolled him in Kids Club’s swim program in the hopes of helping him overcome his fear.
Initially, Ethan struggled, clinging to his parents and crying at the sight of the pool. However, with the consistent support and patience of the swim instructors, Ethan gradually built his confidence. After months of steady progress, Ethan went from being afraid of the water to swimming independently, a transformation that left his parents overjoyed.
“Ethan’s story reminds me that teaching swimming isn’t just about learning to float or kick—it’s about helping children develop confidence and overcome challenges that extend far beyond the pool,” says Brooke.
Looking to the Future of Swim Education
As the world evolves, so does Brooke’s vision for the future of her swim school. She sees a continued focus on growth, adaptation, and a dedication to safety and swimming excellence. Whether through embracing new technologies or mentoring the next generation of instructors, Brooke is committed to keeping water safety at the forefront of her school’s mission.
Mentorship is also something Brooke values deeply, and she believes it should be more accessible to everyone in the swim industry. “We all have something to learn from each other,” she emphasizes, “and through sharing knowledge and experiences, we can continue to improve.”
She also believes in maintaining an inclusive spirit within USSSA, where every swim school—regardless of size or prestige—is treated equally. Brooke’s ultimate vision is to ensure that her swim school remains a vital part of the community, teaching life-saving water skills for years to come.
Advice for Fellow Swim School Members
For those already part of the USSSA or thinking of joining, Brooke’s advice is simple: embrace the community and make the most of the resources available. “USSSA is more than an association—it’s a network of professionals all dedicated to the same mission of promoting water safety,” she says.
New members are encouraged to get involved, ask questions, and attend events, while existing members should continue to innovate and share their experiences to strengthen the entire community. Brooke also emphasizes the importance of mentorship, advising others to seek out or offer guidance whenever possible.
For Brooke, staying committed to her swim school’s mission and adapting to industry changes will always be key to success. With the support of the USSSA community, she believes swim schools can continue making a lasting impact for years to come.
Join the US Swim Schools Association Today!
Ready to take your swim school to the next level? Become a member of the US Swim Schools Association and gain access to valuable resources, industry education, and a supportive community of swim school professionals. From expert training to insurance benefits, USSSA membership equips you with everything you need to succeed. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your swim school—join today and start reaping the benefits! Learn more at USSwimSchools.org.
